Open HSI menu
Subscribe Login

Home / Articles and Press Releases / Article / Digging Up Safety

CATEGORIES

  • Latest Issue
  • Above The Neck Protection
  • Chemical Protection
  • Confined Space
  • Construction
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Energy, Oil and Mining Industries
  • Eye Protection
  • Fall Protection
  • Gas Detection
  • Hand Protection
  • Hazardous and Explosive Atmospheres
  • Health and Safety Awareness
  • Hearing Protection
  • Heat and Flame
  • Lighting and ATEX
  • Noise Monitoring
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Respiratory Protection
  • Safety Footwear
  • Safety Technology
  • Safety Training
  • Slips, Trips and Falls
  • Wellbeing at Work
  • Working at Height
  • Working Rights

MORE

  • Press Releases
  • Events
  • Videos
  • Webinars
  • Magazines

COMPANY

  • About
  • Advertising
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
Open HSI menu
Subscribe

Home / Articles and Press Releases / Article / Digging Up Safety

CATEGORIES

  • Latest Issue
  • Above The Neck Protection
  • Chemical Protection
  • Confined Space
  • Construction
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Energy, Oil and Mining Industries
  • Eye Protection
  • Fall Protection
  • Gas Detection
  • Hand Protection
  • Hazardous and Explosive Atmospheres
  • Health and Safety Awareness
  • Hearing Protection
  • Heat and Flame
  • Lighting and ATEX
  • Noise Monitoring
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Respiratory Protection
  • Safety Footwear
  • Safety Technology
  • Safety Training
  • Slips, Trips and Falls
  • Wellbeing at Work
  • Working at Height
  • Working Rights

MORE

  • Press Releases
  • Events
  • Videos
  • Webinars
  • Magazines

COMPANY

  • About
  • Advertising
  • Newsletter
  • Contact

CATEGORIES

  • Article
  • Press Release
  • Above The Neck Protection
  • Chemical Protection
  • Confined Space
  • Construction
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Energy, Oil and Mining Industries
  • Eye Protection
  • Fall Protection
  • Gas Detection
  • Hand Protection
  • Hazardous and Explosive Atmospheres
  • Health and Safety Awareness
  • Hearing Protection
  • Heat and Flame
  • Lighting and ATEX
  • Noise Monitoring
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Respiratory Protection
  • Safety Footwear
  • Safety Technology
  • Safety Training
  • Slips, Trips and Falls
  • Wellbeing at Work
  • White Papers
  • Working at Height
  • Working Rights

Article

Digging Up Safety

Digging Up Safety

By Richard Broome

| Read Bio

Published: January 31st, 2023

Share this article

Richard Broome, Managing Director at LSBUD, the UK’s leading online safe digging resource1, talks to us about safe digging within the gas sector, looks at the importance of performing an underground asset search, and explores the ramifications that come from striking any pipe or cable.

2022 represented a significant milestone for LSBUD, and the wider health and safety community, when Northern Gas Networks joined its collaborative, central portal. This means the company now has 100 percent of the UK’s major gas distribution networks registered as Members, actively sharing their network information with the LSBUD Users. So, every time someone makes a search enquiry, they can be safe in the knowledge that they are checking all of the major gas networks in Great Britain.

With more than 110 asset owners, across the oil, gas, electricity, water and broadband sectors, already represented on the LSBUD system, the safe digging community is stronger than ever. Indeed, as well as a full complement of gas companies, the portal boasts a 92 percent coverage of electricity distribution networks and 99 percent of fuel/oil pipeline operators. Over 1 million kilometres of pipes and cables across the UK are protected, and search enquiries from Users are over 3.5 million for the first time.

What this means is that the data is there, we just need more of it.

Why is data sharing important?

Every year, millions of excavation projects take place across the UK. These range from Government-funded large-scale infrastructure projects to private homeowners putting in a fence or shed in their gardens. Both are equally important to prevent damage as both pose a risk to the underground network and most importantly to the lives of those working in and around them.

Digging up safety

Searching before digging is not a new activity, it is something that has been building momentum, and has become best practice for the majority.

However, it is the remaining people that are the concern. The latest figures from our annual Digging up Britain 20222 report show that 84 percent of people are searching for underground assets before they dig. This means roughly 650,000 people are still putting spades and digger buckets in the ground with no prior knowledge of what is beneath them. That is deeply concerning.

“searching before digging has become best practice for the majority”

By sharing data, asset owners can better protect their pipes and cables, improving project planning and pre-excavation awareness. By joining a central system, asset owners benefit from the ‘safety of the herd’ effect.

Perhaps the easiest way to highlight best practice is to pick a particular example.

SGN, which manages the gas distribution network across Scotland and the south of England, provides gas to over 5.9 million people through its 74,000-kilometre gas pipeline network. SGN uses LSBUD’s automated plan response software option which means that it is now able to respond to over 60,000 requests per month. The figure represents more than 16 times the number of enquiries that the team was previously receiving.

Signing up to a central, collaborative portal has significantly increased the efficiency of SGN’s plant protection service and it means they can share safety information and asset maps in minutes rather than days. Because so many more people are accessing the information, this means thousands more individuals and companies are working more safely around the network than before. It’s a win/win.

Digging up safety
Digging up safety
Digging up safety

When and how do strikes happen?

Every year, when we publish the Digging up Britain report, we draw on data from the millions of searches conducted through the LSBUD portal from a January to December period. We also reference data provided by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), based on an information request for the number of underground electrical cable or gas pipeline strikes reported in that year. Plus, we collate information from the latest Utility Strike Avoidance Group’s (USAG) Damages Report to allow us to see other industry trends that will help protect the UK’s underground infrastructure and people working near it.

Bringing all the information together, we can look at the how, when, where and why surrounding utility strikes, spotting patterns and putting plans in place to stop them from happening again. The ‘how’ data from the latest report and digging activity is worth health and safety professionals noting. Indeed, there has been a shift in behaviour since the pandemic in terms of what forms of equipment are causing underground strikes.

The latest figures3 show ‘hand tools’ are the most common cause of damage to our pipes and cables. This is a change to previous years, which saw the combined categories of ‘excavator’ and ‘mini digger’, classed as mechanical excavation, leading the way.

“650,000 people are still putting spades in the ground with no prior knowledge of what is beneath”

Over the past 12 months, we have also seen strike incidents involving ‘saws’ and ‘jackhammers’ become more prevalent. What this suggests is that pipes and cables being hit must have been close to the surface and that the workers are operating too close to them. Both of these things increase the likelihood of incidents taking place, and them being more severe when they do.

The ‘when’ data shows that the time of year ‘strikes’ happen most often changed over the pandemic period. However we believe this to be an anomaly, which is expected to realign when the next batch of data is available. This time around, September registered the most asset strikes, but historically it is July normally when we expect to see the highest frequency of incidents. This is often due to longer working hours, good weather and temporary workers covering for holidays. On-site managers and health and safety teams need to be aware of this data, allowing them to prepare teams, and educate them on the dangers than come from certain times of the year, meaning they can stay vigilant, and reduce asset strikes.

“‘hand tools’ are the most common cause of damage to our pipes and cables”

In terms of days of the week, we see that Wednesday is when the highest volumes of accidents are recorded. Interestingly, the number of incidents classed as ‘high’ in severity also has been seen to rise throughout the week. This may suggest week-long tiredness or a rush to finish jobs ahead of the weekend. Analysis also shows that most strikes happen during the middle of the working day. This could be when workers are rushing to start or complete a task before their lunch break. A problem encountered at the construction of the London Olympic Stadium where porridge was offered as an option to reduce a peak in accidents in the hour before lunch4.

Digging up safety

All of these statistics in isolation are partially useful, however when looked at as a whole, you can get a clear picture of what sites across the UK look like, when the most likely time for accidents are, and understand how to prevent them. It makes much more sense for Managers and construction workers to be proactive rather than reactive. It might just save someone’s life.

“working in and around oil and gas pipelines is the most dangerous to life”

Accurate reporting is key

In order to make these predictions we need accurate data. This is something the digging industry has struggled with for some time, with both asset owners and those doing the digging less than forthcoming to report their damages. The reasons include:

  • They simply don’t record the data well enough
  • The in-house way of reporting it not in a format that can be easily shared
  • They don’t see or understand the value in sharing
  • They worry about criticism, both internal and external

This is despite the fact that all information helps to create a full and accurate picture of what is happening each year. All of which is crucial in forming a more rounded analysis.

Digging up safety

With accurate data being so valuable, what needs to change to bring about purposeful change in the future?

Well, traditionally, the Government’s position is that industry should drive best practice. Perhaps the time has come for a higher power to start holding people to account, ensuring that accurate reporting happens consistently. This is an area where regulators or even a government department, such as the Geospatial Commission, could build on the efforts of USAG to change behaviour and make a real difference.

In summary

Working around any underground asset needs careful attention, the right tools and certainly the right information. Working in and around oil and gas pipelines though is the most dangerous to life, so extra care and attention needs to be paid. Thankfully, the level of education amongst those responsible for excavation work is increasing year on year, meaning unnecessary incidents can be avoided.

“every single strike is a critical source of information to help protect people and assets in the future”

Of course, more can be done. We need more people searching before digging, and more asset owners sharing their data. Indeed, we urge each asset owner to keep sharing their data so others can have the most complete picture possible, and to keep reporting incidents so we learn and improve in the future.

Digging up safety

Every single strike is a critical source of information to help protect people and assets in the future.

If everyone follows the basic rules of ‘subscribe, share and search’, we will continue to see the safe digging community grow, staying safer in the process. To find out more about LSBUD, please visit www.lsbud.co.uk.


VIEW GAS DETECTION EQUIPMENT

Share this article

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Richard Broome

BSc (Hons) MRICS FAAV is a utility asset specialist. As the Managing Director of the LSBUD (Linesearch BeforeUdig) service in Great Britain, over the past four years he has built the company’s portal so that today it manages over 2.5 million third party enquiries per annum and protects almost half of the UK’s underground utility infrastructure. His role includes consultation and networking with a wide variety of utility asset owners as well as all types of third parties from Statutory Undertakers to private individuals and Government organisations. Richard is also Head of Infrastructure Services at Fisher German LLP, and during his career he has managed the underground fuel pipeline network owned and operated by Mainline Pipelines Ltd. Richard, a fully qualified Chartered Surveyor, has won a number of awards including the Pipeline Industries Guild Sir John Parker Presentation Competition and the National Joint Utilities Group Award for Avoiding Damage to Underground Assets. He leads the Data and Reporting Group of the Utility Strike Avoidance Group, producing the annual Utility Strike Report and increasing awareness of utility strikes across the UK.

POPULAR POSTS BY Richard Broome

Digging up safety

Article

Digging Up Safety

Istock 1213351630 - hsi -

Article

Safe Digging

Ztfbu9ofproowg2ecugj - hsi -

Article

Gas Pipeline Strikes

Get email updates

Sign up for the HSI newsletter

Keep up-to-date through the power of email with Europe's largest audited safety magazine - delivering the latest news and products to satisfy all your occupational safety needs.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

FEATURED ARTICLES

Article

 Thameslink Traffic Management Programme

Press Release

‘Working At Height’ Remains Biggest Danger

Press Release

“Uncertainty and Ignorance” Risks More Asbestos Deaths

Advertisement

SOCIAL MEDIA

HSI on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/HSIMagazine/

Advertisement

SOCIAL MEDIA

HSI on Twitter

hsimagazine HSI Magazine @hsimagazine ·
14h

Meet our first featured speaker...

Save my seat: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7316793994535/WN_m7lbVevnQRiAHDK6KkxX-g

#hsimagazine #GasDetectionSummit #summit #gasdetection #gassafety #speakerlaunch

Reply on Twitter 1640277486566248450 Retweet on Twitter 1640277486566248450 Like on Twitter 1640277486566248450 1 Twitter 1640277486566248450

Advertisement

SUBSCRIBE

Stay up to date with our newsletter

    • Keep up-to-date with Europe’s largest audited safety magazine

 

    • Delivering the latest news and products to satisfy all your occupational safety needs

 

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Subscribe

SUBSCRIBE TO HSI MAGAZINE

5 reasons to subscribe to our digital and print package

  • Stay up to date from anywhere in the world, with instant access to the latest issue straight from your phone, tablet or laptop.
  • Trust that you’re getting the best content from our range of internationally accredited authors.
  • Get full access to our archives and see how occupational safety has evolved with us over the years.
  • Enjoy our monthly newsletter curated with up-to-the-minute news and a selection of editor’s top picks.
  • Hot off the press and straight to your door – look forward to your own glossy copy of HSI, delivered five times a year
Subscribe View Subscription levels

STAY SAFE & INFORMED

Subscribe to the best health & safety articles, news, products and regulations

Find out more

Stay up to date with our newsletter

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

ABOUT

  • About HSI International
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us

YOUR ACCOUNT

Sign In Register Account Subscribe to HSI

RESOURCES

Request Media Pack

CONNECT

ACCREDITATIONS

Copyright Bay Publishing 2023. All Rights reserved.

Designed & Built by:
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT